Proposed Planned Unit Development on Maybank Highway

The Charleston City Council unanimously passed the proposal at the second reading with an amendment to reduce the development size by 100 units off the total unit size.

The proposal will also reserve a tract of land for the development of the southern pitchfork to reduce traffic. However, lawmakers say Charleston County is responsible for road developments so they have reservations about the city approving the development without county involvement.

The city council agreed to have a discussion with Charleston County about the road developments prior to a 3rd reading of the planned development.

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Homeowners on Johns Island are upset after the City of Charleston passed the first reading of a Planned Unit Development for 750 housing units to be built on the corner of Maybank Highway and River Road. The locals fear that this could contribute to traffic congestion on the Island.

Jacob Lindsey, The Planning Director for the City of Charleston says that the land being discussed tonight is the key to alleviate traffic on Johns Island. He explains that plans for the housing development include plans for road development.

In 2010 The Pitchfork Plan was introduced to create two new roadways—one going north and one going south. The City of Charleston says the goal is to distribute traffic and help people get around the choke point at Maybank Highway and River Road.

Locals believe the plan will make traffic and congestion worse but the City says this isn’t the case. Lindsey explains that the plan being proposed includes 43 fewer dwellings than what is allowed in the area so the plan reduces the total number of units that are available to be built. Lindsey explains, “This area is approved for growth already.

The plan in front of city council reduces the number of units and conveys a key piece of land to get the southern pitchfork built. It’s a part of moving traffic through Johns Island and overall it’s a good thing.”